Forum Discussion

mgndam1603's avatar
13 years ago

Chemo

Hi My Pink Sisters,

I had my 1st chemo on Friday and am hoping for some assistance with managing my side effects please.

The uppers were a real killer, I felt like I was out of control, I have the itchiest head, my bones are aching, it feels like someone has been hitting me with a hammer.

So ladies if anyone can assist me with ways of dealing with these I would be most grateful.

cheers

Donna

7 Replies

  • Mich,

    I am in awe of you, my 13 year old grand daughter has Fibromyalgia and I know the pain she lives with, that you went through chemo at the same time is incrediable. I feel like such a baby now.

    Maza,

    I thought it would be longer before I got side effects but they are really taking their toll on me.

    I am still working but admit that I am really struggling to get out of bed let alone get through a full day at work.

    I know I need to give in to the drugs and to a degree I have done so.

    I am keeping a diary and the chemo brain has already impacted me.

     

    cheers

    Donna

  • Mich,

    I am in awe of you, my 13 year old grand daughter has Fibromyalgia and I know the pain she lives with, that you went through chemo at the same time is incrediable. I feel like such a baby now.

    Maza,

    I thought it would be longer before I got side effects but they are really taking their toll on me.

    I am still working but admit that I am really struggling to get out of bed let alone get through a full day at work.

    I know I need to give in to the drugs and to a degree I have done so.

    I am keeping a diary and the chemo brain has already impacted me.

     

    cheers

    Donna

  • Mich,

    I am in awe of you, my 13 year old grand daughter has Fibromyalgia and I know the pain she lives with, that you went through chemo at the same time is incrediable. I feel like such a baby now.

    Maza,

    I thought it would be longer before I got side effects but they are really taking their toll on me.

    I am still working but admit that I am really struggling to get out of bed let alone get through a full day at work.

    I know I need to give in to the drugs and to a degree I have done so.

    I am keeping a diary and the chemo brain has already impacted me.

     

    cheers

    Donna

  • Morning Donna,

    Remember the itchy scalp and I swapped from a normal shampoo and started washing my hair with QV gentle wash which I was using for the rest of my body and that did help, plus the scalp did settle eventually.    I too had awful pain the first round of chemo but it diminshed with round 2 and subsequent rounds, so here's hoping that happens for you to.    As previously mentioned you just have to bite the bullet and take pain killers - I hated taking more tabs but remember it is only for a short while and it helps!

    Don't know if you are doing a daily diary recording how you feel, side effects and their severity but it really is a help particularly when you see the Specialists as you don't have to remember what happened in what sequence and trust me if chemo brain kicks in you'll need the diary!

    Good luck, chemo will be over before you know it.    Maza

  • Morning Donna,

    Remember the itchy scalp and I swapped from a normal shampoo and started washing my hair with QV gentle wash which I was using for the rest of my body and that did help, plus the scalp did settle eventually.    I too had awful pain the first round of chemo but it diminshed with round 2 and subsequent rounds, so here's hoping that happens for you to.    As previously mentioned you just have to bite the bullet and take pain killers - I hated taking more tabs but remember it is only for a short while and it helps!

    Don't know if you are doing a daily diary recording how you feel, side effects and their severity but it really is a help particularly when you see the Specialists as you don't have to remember what happened in what sequence and trust me if chemo brain kicks in you'll need the diary!

    Good luck, chemo will be over before you know it.    Maza

  • Sorry Donna

    I so wish I could have come up with a miracle cure for all your ailments.

    What I would suggest is that at the top of the page on right hand side is where you can type in for e.g. itchy scalp (or similar) bone pain, dex and things like that and it should link you to those topics and posts once you hit search. I have used that on a number of occasions.

    I am sure some of your pink sisters will hop on here soon and hopefully have some more suggestions for you.

    I had to resign myself to the fact that I did need pain killers, pain patches etc. as unfortunately I was one of the ones who suffered bad with pain but then I was pretty much diagnosed with fibromyalgia prior to my diagnosis.

    I am wishing you luck on your search.

    Lots of love, Mich xoxox

  • Hey Donna

    I am so sorry to hear you are having a bad time of it. This chemo is yukky stuff but if it is killing off that mongrel of a "C" then we have to endure it, even though it is also killing off the good cells..........

    With regards to the Dex, you will need to speak to oncologist or chemo nurses so you can reduce the amount of Dex you are taking. I so remember those feelings from the Dex, either I was going at 100 miles an hour cooking and cleaning etc., awake all night or I felt totally out of control. You will probably need to reduce the dose.

    Your scalp is probably from your chemo taking effect. Once again speak to chemo nurses or onco just to ensure there is nothing sinister going on.

    Bone pain is also from chemo and your onco can prescribe something to help with the pain.

    I could go on and on about what I went thru etc. but you do not need to hear that. I would try to contact your Medical oncology staff and get some advice or get them to prescribe something to help.

    I feel for you my luvly as it is such a shitty time. I am here for you.

    Lots of love, Mich xoxoxo